NEIGHBOURS in Bourne End have been left angry and upset at the trees being felled in a woodland which they fear could be lost forever.

The wood in Fieldhead Gardens has seen several planning applications for the cutting of overhanging trees, with the most recently submitted in 2021.

Now, residents are fighting to stop more trees from being destroyed after workmen were spotted last Friday (March 31) with wood-cutting machinery.

A teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted the Free Press about the sad sight of the woodland.

She said: "They're destroying most of the woodland. When we try and speak to the workmen the contractors are just rude and tell us to go away.

"There are hardly any trees left and for years it was wood but sold off without anyone knowing. 

"It's not a woodland now, it's very sad actually. There must be trees that are over 100 year's old which are protected."

The resident claims contractors were working at night time chopping down trees. 

"It's deforestation, it's quite scary. Before you wouldn't be able to see the train line but you can now and you can hear the trains. We're also worried about our health but these people don't care. " 

In 2021, residents experienced similar fears after developers tried to build three three-bed detached houses in the woodland.

Developers at the time claimed the woodland has been “severely neglected for many years” and that their plans to build a “sympathetic” development of homes would “ensure the future of the woodland and its trees”.

Bob Bradshaw wrote: "After so many years of resisting this, it is incredibly sad to hear that the woodland has been cleared over and above what was permitted in an obvious action that is a preparation for yet another application to build houses.

"Has the local authority now been worn down to the point where they are slow to react?"

Complaints have been made to Buckinghamshire Council to stop the felling of trees.

One resident has complained via FixMyStrreet about a "wood chipper working on illegal site blocking the pavement and on double yellow lines."

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment, said: "We have received several applications for works to this small woodland at Fieldhead Gardens in Bourne End.

"While most of these applications have been approved, we do have an ongoing enforcement case related to this location.

"Whilst it is the responsibility of the landowner to ensure that they comply with planning law, we have investigated the activity taking place and have requested for works on site to stop so that we can be assured that only approved works are undertaken."